How does building insurance work & what does it cover

Worrying about what future problems can bring down the happy feelings of today? That’s why it’s important to be prepared. Knowing that everything—and everyone—that you care about is protected can provide invaluable peace of mind. At Dialdirect, our mission is to make insurance clear and simple, giving you more time for the things and people you love and less time spent worrying about insurance. Content insurance protects the items that make your house a home, like the table where your family gathers for meals and the art that decorates your walls. But without a building insurance policy, the place you call home isn’t fully protected. If you’ve ever wondered what building insurance covers or about its benefits, Dialdirect is here to explain it all. 

What is buildings insurance? 

Building insurance protects the structure of your home from unpredictable events like fire, burst pipes from water damage, natural disasters, and other weather-related incidents. In addition to the main structure, building insurance covers on-property elements, like swimming pools, garages, domestic accommodation or granny flats, fences and security gates and or features, and on-site property assets you may have, like a tennis court. 

At Dialdirect, we offer comprehensive building insurance to make sure you have all the coverage you need to feel confident. Our comprehensive plan has your back in case of break-in or theft, trees falling on your house, accidental third-party damage, or power surges. If an aeroplane crashes into your property— rest assured that’s covered, too. We’ve thought of almost every possible scenario and can even create a custom plan to get you the bespoke insurance coverage you need. 

Building insurance will cover those renting out their property

The Dialdirect insurance plan is ideal for any property owner in South Africa, and our coverage also extends to homeowners and property owners who rent or lease their houses, flats or buildings. If you or a tenant need to temporarily move out because of damage caused by an insurable incident, we’ll foot the bill for loss of income rental and a new place to stay while the damage is being repaired. 

Another perk: The plan extends to include liability insurance to protect you and any domestic employees.

Is building insurance the same as home insurance?

There are a number of insurance options on the market, and it can be confusing to understand what they are, which ones you need, and how to make sure your plan covers everything. So, let us help make it clear. 

• Building insurance acts as a protective bubble around your home and ensures coverage on the exterior and physical structures, along with other on-property facilities like a swimming pool or garage. 

• Home insurance covers the contents inside your home like televisions, bikes, kitchen appliances, furniture, and more. 

• Portable insurance covers some of the things you use most in your life, like cell phones, laptops, cameras, sunglasses, and your child’s car seat. It also protects against loss, damage, or theft. 

What does building insurance cover in South Africa?

A good building insurance plan will cover permanent structures and parts of your personal property that can’t be moved. This broad description makes building insurance crucial for any home or property owner because so much is covered. Damage to your fence? Covered. If a giant sinkhole opens up on your property and it’s a total loss, we’ll help you pick up the pieces and start again. 

Allow yourself a moment to think about how you would financially handle flooring that needed to be replaced due to flooding. What about a bigger fix, like a roof that needed repair or structural damage to your home or building? Dialdirect’s comprehensive plan helps to ease these worries and gives you the reassurance that someone is looking after you and your property if something goes wrong. 

Is it compulsory?

Do you need building insurance in South Africa? The simple answer is no. While nearly every home or property owner could benefit from it, no law makes building insurance compulsory. However, homeowners wishing to apply for a loan will find that most banks require it before an application can be approved. 

As a policyholder, it’s important to remember to make sure the insurance policy matches the most up-to-date value of the home or buildings so that you’re fully covered in case of a claim.  

Get a building insurance quote from Dialdirect

Now that you understand the value of building insurance for home and property owners in South Africa are you ready for a quote? Dialdirect makes it easy to get a building insurance quote or learn even more about insurance offerings—including building insurance for South Africa, home contents, and even specific vehicle insurance like caravan and motorcycle insurance. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered. Get a free, online building insurance quote to start the process.

*Dialdirect is an authorised non-life insurer and financial services provider

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